Stony Lake is a scenic side trip off the main Trent-Severn Waterway channel, branching east from Hells Gate while the main route continues west to Burleigh Falls. At roughly 16 km long and averaging just over a kilometre wide, this is one of the larger Kawartha Lakes — and arguably the most dramatic. The lake sits at the geological boundary where the Canadian Shield’s Precambrian granite meets the softer limestone of the St. Lawrence Lowlands, producing a landscape of over a thousand rocky islands, rugged shorelines, and clear water reaching depths beyond 100 feet.
For the cruising boater, Stony Lake rewards those willing to navigate carefully among its islands. The western end near Juniper Island offers the most accessible anchoring options, with a public wharf on Juniper Island maintained by the Association of Stony Lake Cottagers during July and August. Crowes Landing on the north shore provides a public dock with access to the Stoney Lake Market for provisioning.
This is emphatically not a lake for casual exploration without a chart. CHS describes it as infested with islands, rocks, and shoals, and that assessment is accurate. The marked channel from Hells Gate is well-buoyed, but venturing beyond it requires CHS Chart 2023-3, good visibility, and careful attention to depth. Boats drawing more than 4 feet should be especially cautious outside the marked routes.
| GPS Coordinates | 44.552°N, 78.123°W ⚠ Unverified |
| Water Body | Stony Lake |
| Region | Kawartha Lakes |
| Mile Marker | MM 123 (from Veterans Skyway Bridge) |
| Depth Range | 1.8–5.5 m 6–18 ft — CHS Sailing Directions CEN309 (2025) |
| Bottom Type | Mixed — rock, sand, and scattered weed |
| Holding Quality | Fair |
| Nearest Lock | Lock 28 — Burleigh Falls (~3 km) |
| Overnight | ✓ Overnight OK |
| CHS Chart | CHS Sailing Directions CEN309 (2025) ↗ CHS |
Protection varies dramatically across this large lake depending on where you anchor. Among the island clusters in the western portion near Juniper Island, you can find reasonable shelter from most wind directions by tucking into the lee of rocky islands. The open stretches of the lake — particularly the long east-west fetch — leave you exposed. Choose your spot based on the forecast and no single spot provides all-around shelter from every direction.
| Dinghy Access | ✗ No |
| Shore Access | Public wharves at Juniper Island (9 ft depth at dock face, seasonal July-August), McCrackens Landing (south shore, 2-6 ft depth), and Crowes Landing (north shore, 6-18 ft depth with access to market and general store). |
| Pet Friendly | No votes yet |
Nearest provisioning: Juniper Island (seasonal, July-August only) has a snack bar, some groceries, and post office operated by the Association of Stony Lake Cottagers. Crowes Landing on the north shore has the Stoney Lake Market with groceries, dining, propane, bait, and ice. Burleigh Falls (~3 km west) has The Market at Burleigh Falls for groceries and gasoline.
Scenic notes: Stony Lake is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful lakes in the Kawarthas. The Canadian Shield granite creates a rugged, dramatic landscape quite different from the softer shorelines further west — over a thousand rocky islands, clear water, and heritage cottages dot the shoreline. Sunsets behind the island silhouettes are exceptional.
Stony Lake branches east from the main TSW route at Hells Gate, making it a worthwhile detour for boaters transiting between Young’s Point (Lock 27) and Burleigh Falls (Lock 28). The main channel continues west from Hells Gate to Burleigh Falls, a distance of roughly 3.7 km. Boaters heading east into Stony Lake should plan their lock timing accordingly — Lock 28 at Burleigh Falls operates on a schedule during peak season and mooring at the lock station is limited.
The lake’s rich history includes Petroglyphs Provincial Park near the eastern end, with prehistoric Indigenous rock carvings, and the iconic St. Peter’s-on-the-Rock church perched on a small island in Hells Gate, holding Sunday services each July and August since 1914.
| Lock | Name | Direction | Distance | Lift |
| #28 | Burleigh Falls | Upstream | ~3 km | 7.3 m24 ft |
| #27 | Young’s Point | Downstream | ~15 km | 1.8 m6 ft |
Approach Stony Lake from the southwest via Hells Gate, where Clear Lake connects to Stony Lake through a narrow, well-marked but tight passage. A starboard bifurcation buoy marked CM is moored about 1 km east of the north entrance to Hells Gate, marking the channel east of Juniper Island. From that buoy, the main TSW route leads west to Burleigh Falls; the Stony Lake side trip heads east.
CHS Chart 2023-3 is essential for navigating this lake. The bottom is predominantly Canadian Shield rock with scattered sand and weed, and submerged rocks lurk throughout. Private navigation lights in the eastern portion of the lake are maintained by the Upper Stoney Lake Cottagers Association — confirm their status with local marina operators, as these are not government-maintained aids. Without local knowledge, keep to the marked channel.
If anchoring, choose a bay with verified depths and swing room clear of underwater hazards. Set your anchor with extra scope and dive on it if conditions allow — you want to confirm you are in sand or gravel rather than sitting on bare rock. Polarized sunglasses are invaluable for spotting submerged rocks on sunny days.
Stony Lake presents serious navigation hazards for the unprepared. The lake is densely packed with submerged rocks, unmarked shoals, and rocky islets that can damage hulls and running gear. Do not venture beyond the marked channel without CHS Chart 2023-3. Private navigation aids in the eastern part of the lake are maintained by a cottagers’ association and may not always be current. Hells Gate, the primary entrance from Clear Lake, is a narrow passage requiring caution.
Have photos of Stony Lake (Side Trip)?
💌 Email captain@trentsevernguide.comStony Lake (Side Trip) — Video Guide Coming Soon
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